Medical Barriers
Often Unnecessary
Unnecessary medical barriers to the use of
contraception are associated with nearly every contraceptive method, and
arise for various reasons. This article explores key ways to reduce such
barriers, addressing common barriers associated with specific
contraceptive methods. That few medical exams are necessary for the safe
use of contraception is discussed in Safe
Use of Contraception Seldom Requires Medical Exams. The unnecessary
practice of denying non-menstruating women a contraceptive method is
explored in Contraception Should be
Available to Non-Menstruating Women. Finally, an initiative to
facilitate the introduction and use of ‘best practices’ in
reproductive health care programs is described in New
Consortium Facilitates Use of ‘Best Practices.’
Youth: Vulnerable But
Resilient
Efforts to improve reproductive health services
for young people are essential since, as a population, youth are at
particular risk for unplanned pregnancy or infection by HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Experts agree that far more
evaluation and research is needed to determine how best to involve youth
and how to develop services that are both effective and sustainable.
Meanwhile, evaluations of specific types of programs offer some helpful
data for program planners.
The loveLife campaign in South Africa, which
seeks to build among youth awareness of reproductive health and life
skills, is profiled in Campaign
Encourages Youth to Talk about Sex and Sexuality. Why youth are at
particular risk for reproductive health problems is described in Youth
in Danger.
Evaluations Suggest
Better Ways to Use Resources
Family planning programs in developing countries
face formidable challenges in providing quality care with limited
resources. But economic analysis of programs — as described in this
article — can provide managers with information that can improve both
the productivity of programs and the quality of care. Training sessions
that are provided to help program managers identify and solve program
problems is discussed in Managers Learn to
Analyze Costs.
Contraceptive Update:
Technique Modification May Improve Vasectomy Effectiveness
Physicians who use simple ligation and excision
to perform male sterilization, or vasectomy, should strongly consider
modifying their surgical technique to include fascial interposition,
recent research shows.
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